I know for sure that a handmade bag made with love for a little girl is one of the most beautiful gifts you could sew! When my sisters need something special for a little girl, they always come to me asking for a little bag. A ready-made bag is never in my stock! A trick! So it was the time to sew a few new little bags and I thought to share with you a little trick that maybe you don't … [Read more...]
Free arm sewing- easy way to finishing bags
Are you new to bag making? I thought to share with you a little trick that makes the finishing of a bag easier. Sometimes we assume that an information is well known by anyone, but I found myself that this is not true! So this little trick is about free-arm sewing and how to use it when stitching bags. Can you remove the bed of your sewing machine? In this way, the sewing machine is … [Read more...]
Card holder tutorial
If you need a "last-minute" gift, here is a fun, quick and easy little project - a card holder that everyone needs. (This post is the second in the series "5 Quick Gifts to sew for Christmas". See all the posts here.) Here is what you need: 2 pieces of fabric and one piece of fusible web (Wonder Under, Vliesofix/Bondaweb, Heat and Bond, Steam a Seam). All pieces must measure 4'' x 9 … [Read more...]
How to Sew a Flat-Felled Seam
Flat felled seam is a strong seam with no raw edge exposed, with a clean and smooth finish on the inside. It's the seam commonly found on jeans and it is great for reversible garments too. I used this seam to join the pieces of a shopping bag. I did not want to use lining and I needed a seam with no raw edges exposed. I used quilt weight fabric for my bag (Heather Bailey). You might think … [Read more...]
French Seams Tutorial
A French seam is a simple way to create strong, professional-looking seam in any sewing project. The raw edges of the fabric are not visible, they are fully enclosed for a neat finish. French seams are great for clothing, home decor items or totes. They work really nicely on light- to medium-weight fabric. On heavier fabrics they will create bulky seams. For a piece of garment this might be … [Read more...]
How to Sew Quilted Bags
Learn to sew quilted bags- if you are a quilter, then there is nothing easier than this! These are cheaper versions of the bags made with interfacing (because you probably already have some batting scraps). Learn a few tricks and sew quilted bags with a professional look and a long life! NOTE You need to follow a pattern. This tutorial will show you how to prepare the pieces of your … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Better Handmade Bags
I am writing/making new bag patterns and I am determined to make better bags. All it takes is a little more time and more attention to small details. The reward will be a more beautiful bag that will last longer. We love to make bags because we can make them fit our needs and we can use the favorite fabrics. There are so many creative options use can use to make an unique bag. We love the … [Read more...]